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The SEC loses its biggest star from 2014, Amari Cooper, from its receiving ranks. The record-breaking receiver was the top pass catcher in the conference by a wide margin, and we’re not likely to see anyone match his production any time soon. Still, five of the top-10 receivers in the conference will be returning for 2015, with several more young players in the wings.
Here are the SEC’s returning receiving yardage leaders based on 2014’s numbers:
- Pharoh Cooper, South Carolina — 1,136 yards
- Josh Reynolds, Texas A&M — 842 yards
- Demarcus Robinson, Florida — 810 yards
- Travin Dural, LSU — 758 yards
- D’haquille Williams, Auburn — 730 yards
- De’Runnya Wilson, Mississippi State — 680 yards
- Evan Engram, Ole Miss — 662 yards
- Laquon Treadwell, Ole Miss — 632 yards
- Pig Howard, Tennessee — 618 yards
- Speedy Noil, Texas A&M — 583 yards
Takeaways: While Cooper is a workhorse for South Carolina, he’ll certainly have some competition at the top of the SEC. Treadwell would have challenged for the No. 2 spot in the conference if not for a broken leg suffered in October; his yards-per-game average would have been good for fifth in the league, while he was third in catches per game. Aggies Reynolds and Noil should also see upticks in production in their second year in Kevin Sumlin’s offense. Duke Williams could have been an early round draft pick had he decided to leave school early, but instead he’ll be the guy for new Auburn quarterback Jeremy Johnson. Wilson benefits greatly from the return of Dak Prescott, and as he continues to learn the game he’ll become a more dominant force. Robinson and Dural were both casualties of quarterback play in 2014 despite coming in at Nos. 3 and 4 on this list; if they see improvement from their passers in 2015, they could both be beasts.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
